Justice Ayo Salami (rtd), former President of the Court of Appeal, and renowned writer, poet and public commentator, Odia Ofeimun, have been selected for honours at the 20th edition of the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting (WSAIR).
The landmark ceremony, which marks the 20th anniversary of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) and its flagship award programme, will hold on Tuesday, December 9, at 4:00 pm at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos. The event will also mark the grand finale of the two-day virtual Amplify In-depth Media (AIM) Conference and Awards.
According to a press release signed by the Executive Director/CEO of WSCIJ, Moturayo Alaka, the anniversary celebration reflects two decades of the Centre’s commitment to strengthening investigative journalism, defending human rights and holding power to account in Nigeria. She disclosed that Ofeimun will receive the Lifetime Award for Journalistic Excellence, while Justice Salami will be honoured with the Human Rights Defender Award.
Alaka said Ofeimun, a poet and political scientist, is being recognised for his lifetime contributions to Nigerian journalism, literature and public discourse. A distinguished columnist, playwright and social critic, he has consistently used his work to challenge injustice, promote critical thinking and uphold the principles of truth and accountability.
She added that Ofeimun served as a judge at the maiden edition of the award in 2005 and has remained a strong supporter of the WSCIJ and investigative journalism initiatives.
She further noted that Justice Salami is being honoured for his steadfast commitment to justice, integrity and the rule of law.
Throughout his judicial career, the retired jurist championed judicial independence, upheld human rights and demonstrated unwavering dedication to social justice and accountability in public service.
Alaka also revealed that out of 184 entries submitted by journalists across the country, the 2025 judges’ board shortlisted 14 finalists for this year’s edition of the award.
Winners will be inducted into the Soyinka Laureates Hall of Fame and will receive plaques, cash prizes and an all-expense-paid international study tour.
The award recognises investigative journalism that exposes corruption, regulatory failures and human rights abuses in Nigeria.
The 2025 AIM Conference and Awards began on Monday, December 8, and will conclude on Tuesday, December 9, with virtual sessions ending at 11:00 am (WAT) on Zoom, followed by the physical ceremony at the MUSON Centre, Lagos, by 4:00 pm.
The theme for this year’s event is WSCIJ@20 – Investigative Reporting and the Future of Truth.
Professor Rosental Alves of the University of Texas at Austin delivered the keynote address on day one, while Khadija Patel, South African media executive and former Chairperson of the International Press Institute, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address on day two, alongside eight other speakers.
Now in its 20th edition, the award, launched in 2005, is held annually on International Anti-Corruption Day and the eve of Human Rights Day to underscore the importance of investigative journalism in strengthening democracy.
Over the years, WSAIR has celebrated 130 finalists, honoured 13 Investigative Journalists of the Year, and presented 31 Nigerians with honorary awards, including the Lifetime Award for Journalistic Excellence and the Anti-Corruption/Human Rights Defender Award.
